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Del Mar Schools Educational Foundation reports fundraising shortfall; PTA leaders ask district about Prop 28 and arts spaces
Summary
The Del Mar Schools Educational Foundation told the board it raised more than $1 million this year but faces a $2.45 million shortfall relative to next-year STEAM+ funding goals; PTA presidents asked about Proposition 28 funds and equitable performance spaces.
The Del Mar Schools Educational Foundation (DMSAF) reported to the board that fundraising for 2025–26 fell short of ambitious STEAM+ goals, and PTA leaders urged the district to pursue options that combine district capital funds, Prop 28 resources and PTA fundraising to stabilize arts programming.
DMSAF update: President Sheena Sani told trustees the foundation’s goal for 2025–26 was $1.4 million for STEAM+ positions and programming; the foundation raised about $930,000 in the most recent cycle and reported a shortfall of about $2.45 million relative to the longer-term need the district has identified for STEAM+ coverage. Sani said the district covered this year’s shortfall but warned the foundation will not be able to bridge future gaps without meeting fundraising targets.
PTA and Proposition 28 questions: PTA presidents, speaking for multiple sites, described high costs for drama clubs, MURs and performance equipment (wireless mics, lighting) and asked how Proposition 28 (California’s arts funding measure) could be coordinated with bond-funded modernization and PTA fundraising to create equitable performance spaces across schools. “Proposition 28 tells me that we can ensure all students have access to high-quality arts instruction,” PTA president Una Car Twyman said; PTA leaders asked staff for more guidance on how Prop 28 dollars, bond capital and PTA fundraising could be combined.
Why it matters: The district’s STEAM+ program supports arts, music and enrichment that parents and trustees described as central to student experience. The foundation’s shortfall signals potential service gaps if fundraising targets are not met and highlights the need for clearer coordination among district capital planning, state arts funds and PTA contributions.
Next steps: DMSAF will present a check next month and continue fundraising; district and foundation staff said they will work together on plans to prioritize positions and program funding for 2026–27 and to clarify Prop 28 uses with PTA leaders.
Provenance: DMSAF report and PTA discussion presented under items 5.3 and 5.4; PTA remarks on Proposition 28 and equity were summarized during the PTA president presentation and public comment.
